Not alone anymore

Chapter 6

Regina and I sat in a booth together and we both looked over the menu. Ruby came over and wasn't really surprised to see us. She took our order and went into the kitchen. "So what happens now Gina?"  She lets out a little laugh. "I kind of like it when you call me Gina. No one has ever called me that. My mother was always so strict. My daddy on the other hand called me his little princess. Oh god I'm going to miss him so much".  I reach across the table and hold onto her hands. "I don't know how you feel Regina but I can sympathize with you. I wish nothing but to help you through this if you'd let me".   "I'd like that Emma. Thank you so much".  Just then Ruby brought over our breakfast and to my surprise Regina ate everything that she ordered. Her omelette, bagel, fruit cup, home fries, bacon and sausage were all gone. I was very happy to see that she had a good meal. I also ate everything I ordered. Mostly because I hadn't eaten since lunch yesterday. With all of our plates empty Ruby came over to clean the table. "I guess you ladies liked what you ordered. Granny will be happy to hear that".    After Ruby collected everything she brought it all into the kitchen. I looked at Regina and said. "So what's next?"    "I guess I should go home".   "Is there anyone there for you?"   She looked down and shakes her head no.  "No Emma but I'll be fine. You helped me so much last night. Thank you".   "Regina I don't think you should be alone right now. May I come and maybe spend the day with you just in case you need anything".  "Sure Emma. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Ruby came back and asked if we needed anything else. "No thanks Rubes. Can you put that on my tab please and here this is for you thanks".  I handed her a 20 dollar bill. She nodded and walked away. "Emma please let me pay for breakfast".   "Nope sorry Gina. It's all taken care of. You ready to go?"   She gives me an evil look. Then stands. "Let's go Miss Swan".  I laugh and follow behind her. She drove us over to her house. "Holy shit Regina. How the hell can you afford this on a teachers salary?"  She sits back in her seat and smiles sadly at the house.  "I grew up in this house. It's been in my daddy's family for over a 100 years. Of course it's been modernized more than a few times".  I put my hand on her shoulder and give it a little squeeze. "It's a beautiful home Regina".  "Let's go inside and I'll show you around". She looks at me and I nod. We get out of the car and walk to the door. She unlocked it and we both walk in. She closes and locks the door behind me. We stand in the foyer and it's huge. There are about 5 steps that we walk up and there a few rooms. Some doors are closed but I'm able to see into the others. One room looks like a sitting room with a couch and a few chairs, oh and let's not forget the beautiful fireplace in the middle of the room. I see a big piano in another room. "Wow Regina this is incredible. I've never seen anything this beautiful before. Well unless it was in a magazine or in a movie".  "Thank you. Would you like something to drink. We can see what I have in the refrigerator?"   "Sure. Something cold sounds nice".  We walk into the kitchen and again it's incredible. It's huge with the top of the line everything. She opens the fridge and says. "I have bottled water, a few different types of juice, milk and some diet soda".   "Water sounds good".  She nods and grabs 2 bottles and walks over to a chair at the island. I sit next to her.  "Thank you".  We sit in silence for a few moments before I ask.  "So it's just you here in this big house?"   "Yes. Mother left us a few years ago to move to Italy. Before that her and daddy lived over in Kennebunkport Maine. I've lived here alone since I was in college".   "May I ask if you have any siblings?"  She smiles. "It's ok to ask and yes I actually have an older sister. She lives in London. She's a clothing designer. She had to fly back right after the funeral. She's been working on her latest fashion show".  "Wow that sounds cool but I'm sorry she had to leave so soon.  You two should have had more time to morn together".  She shrugs her shoulders and says. "It is what it is. Even though mother was very strict she babied Zelena more than she ever did with me. I always had to be perfect for her. If I got an A- on a test she would punish me by not letting me go out for 2 weeks. Not that I actually went out before that because she would never let me. It wasn't until she left for Italy that I finally felt a little freedom from her".  "You don't have to answer but was she at the funeral?"  She laughs a little.  "Oh of course she was. She even brought her boyfriend Robert Gold. He's just a slime ball. He fits perfectly with mother. I can't believe she left my daddy for him. He must have more money".   "Is she still in town?"   "Oh yes of course. She wouldn't miss the reading of the will.  That all takes place tomorrow morning".   "If you'd like I can go will you. I'm not trying to intrude but I have the next 3 days off from Granny's and I'll be there for you if you'd like".   "You would do that for me?"   "Oh my god Regina. Really?  After everything you've done for me the least I can do is go with you for support and hold your hand if you'd like".    "I would actually like that very much. Thank you Emma".   She lets out a big yawn. "Oh goodness. I'm sorry. I haven't gotten a lot of sleep over the last week".    "It ok. You can go take nap If you'd like. I promise I'll still be here when you get up".    "Why are you such a good person Emma Swan?"   "Honestly Gina, I have no idea. I should be such an asshole after the way I grew up but I expect more from myself than I ever got in return".  "I can understand that. I try not to be such a snob like mother is but unfortunately sometimes I don't execute it well. I actually do like to have fun and laugh and even watch silly movies. All the things I couldn't do with".  She lets out a breath. "Mother".   I hold her hand.  "It's ok Regina. Your not alone. I'm always here for you".   She looks me deep in the eyes and says in a quiet voice.  "You are, aren't you Emma?"    I put my right hand on her left cheek and sweep my thumb across her cheek. "I'm here for as long as you want and need me Gina. I promise you that".   She slowly leans in and kisses me. It was kinda like the kiss last night but something is different. There is something more with our kiss. We separate and look at each other with a shy smile.  "Regina what is this that's happening here?"   "I don't know Emma, I just know that I wanted to kiss you. You were right, last night wasn't the right time and right now may not be the right time either but it felt like something I wanted to do. All these weeks of being with you to help tutor you I see you differently I guess. Your not just a regular student anymore to me Emma you are a wonderful person with a kind heart. You have a beautiful smile and I love this innocence that you have. You've told me a little about your upbringing and that life hasn't been to kind to you but you don't have to worry about that with me Emma".  She leans in for another kiss. "Regina what are you trying to tell me here?"   "I guess what I'm trying to do is ask if you'd like to maybe have dinner with me Emma Swan. Not as a teacher but just as us".   "Like a date?"   "Yes very much like a date".   "Then yes. I would love to".  As we are leaning in for another kiss Regina's phone starts to ring. "Damn it. I'm sorry Emma. I should get that. I could be daddy's lawyer".   "Sure. No problem".  She answers the phone without looking at the caller ID. "Hello this is Regina Mills .....  Oh. Hello mother".